Positive reinforcement is one of the foundational principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and one of the most misunderstood. Let's break it down in plain language so you can understand it and even use it at home.
The simple definition
Positive reinforcement means adding something after a behavior that makes that behavior more likely to happen again in the future. That's it. The "positive" doesn't mean happy or good it means something is being added. The "reinforcement" means the behavior increases.
Example: Your child asks for a snack using words instead of crying. You immediately give them the snack and say "Great asking!" They're more likely to use words next time. That's positive reinforcement.
Why it works so well
Our brains are wired to repeat behaviors that lead to good outcomes. When a behavior produces something meaningful a preferred item, praise, a fun activity, more time with a parent the brain tags that behavior as "worth doing again." Over time and with consistency, the behavior becomes stronger and more reliable.
ABA uses this principle systematically. We don't just hope it happens we engineer the environment so that meaningful reinforcement follows the right behaviors at the right moment, every time.
What makes a good reinforcer?
The key is that reinforcement has to actually matter to the child. That's why our BCBAs spend time identifying what your child finds motivating before treatment even begins. For one child it might be bubbles. For another it might be high fives, a specific toy, a few minutes of screen time, or tickles. Whatever works that's what we use.
Reinforcers also change over time, which is why we reassess regularly.
How you can use it at home
You don't need to be a BCBA to use positive reinforcement. The key is to catch your child doing something right and immediately follow it with something they value. Immediate timing matters the connection between behavior and reward needs to be clear.
Start small. Pick one behavior you want to see more of, identify something your child loves, and consistently deliver it right after the behavior. You'll be surprised how quickly things can shift.